During the days before menstruation and during those days the discomfort and pain can be something recurrent. Take note of these recommendations and apply them the next time you need to.
Causes of Menstrual Cramps
During your menstrual period, the uterus contracts to help shed its lining. Hormone-like substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more intense menstrual cramps.
Menstrual cramps can be caused by the following factors:
• Endometriosis: The tissue that lines the uterus implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the tissue that lines the pelvis.
• Uterine fibroids: These non-cancerous growths on the wall of the uterus can cause pain.
• Adenomyosis: The tissue that lines the uterus begins to grow on the muscular walls of the uterus.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease: This infection of the female reproductive organs is usually caused by a sexually transmitted bacteria.
• Cervical stenosis: In some women, the opening of the cervix is so small that it prevents menstrual flow, causing a painful increase in pressure inside the uterus. Natural remedies
- Chamomile or cinnamon infusions
Medicinal plants are the hand of saint to combat numerous pathologies. In the case of menstrual cramps, chamomile and cinnamon are perfect.
Chamomile is an effective remedy against muscle spasms and menstrual pain, and cinnamon relieves colic thanks to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action. For optimal preparation, do not let it boil for a long time and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Exercise
A study carried out by the University of Sydney, ensures that exercising during menstruation is not only not harmful, but also that its practice reduces pain and colic associated with menstruation.
If you feel a little more tired than normal, it is because iron is lost due to bleeding and muscle cells have more difficulty capturing what remains.
- Hot water bottle
Applying heat is very helpful in relieving menstrual pain. High temperatures help relax the uterus, while improving blood flow.
A comfortable and effective way to apply heat is with a hot water bottle. Place it on your belly, relax and let it act for at least 15 minutes.
- Practice yoga.
Some asanas (yoga poses) can help ease pain during your period days.
Among the most effective you will find that of the child, that of the butterfly or that of the dove. Any of them will help you relax for a few minutes.
To do the child’s pose, get on your knees and lean forward, while extending your arms towards your head. Rest your forehead on the ground and, maintaining the posture, take 5 or 10 slow and deep breaths.
Remember that if you feel uncomfortable with any of these positions or they cause you pain, better rest and change to another position.
- Have a bowl of broccoli for dinner.
Its glucosinolates stimulate the antioxidant glutathione and help the liver eliminate excess estrogens.
Although the usual way to consume broccoli is boiled, alone or with other vegetables, it can also be consumed raw.
- Massages
With the collaboration of a friend and in a pleasant environment, with soft lighting and soft music, lie down on a mat or blanket on the floor.
Ask your partner to give you a simple massage all over your back, it is not necessary to apply pressure, just make circles with your fingertips and follow the line of the spine.
Both massages and the many relaxation techniques that exist can be very useful to relieve premenstrual pain and during menstruation.
Take Away.
Several herbal remedies, such as ginger, fennel, Chinese herbs, cinnamon, Pycnogenol, and peppermint, have been studied for treating dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps).
Despite promising results, the quality of the studies is generally poor and there is no clear proof that any of the herbal remedies help. Further quality research is needed.
If you’re considering using herbs (or other forms of alternative medicine) for menstrual cramps, talk with your healthcare provider first to weigh the pros and cons.
